All Blacks winger Sitiveni Sivivatu has been ruled out of New Zealand's November tour of the northern hemisphere after suffering a knee injury.

Sivivatu, who has 43 caps for New Zealand, suffered a knock to his left knee on Friday whilst training with Waikato ahead of this weekend's ITM Cup semi-final against Auckland. He had hoped to prove his fitness for New Zealand's tour of Britain and Ireland following a five-month break from the game due to a shoulder injury, and fly out to join the All Blacks squad, which is currently preparing for the Bledisloe Cup match with Australia in Hong Kong.

But scans have revealed damage to his left knee and he will now miss the entire tour of the northern hemisphere, which begins with a clash against England at Twickenham next Saturday.

The potential length of his absence is known and the Waikato winger could require an arthroscopy to determine the extent of the injury. The All Blacks at this stage will not call up a replacement to the squad with wingers Joe Rokocoko, Cory Jane and Hosea Gear in the squad as well as Isaia Toeava also available to provide cover.

All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson said: "Siti had a scan in Hamilton on Friday which revealed that a bony fragment had come loose in his left knee. He will see an orthopaedic surgeon over the weekend and may require an arthroscopy."

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said: "It's hugely disappointing for Siti to suffer another injury straight after recovering from his shoulder surgery. The whole All Blacks squad feels for him and we wish him all the best as he recovers from his latest setback."